This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 9-12
As we look at the youth in our country today, many will shake their heads and “wonder how those young people got so messed up”. But if they think back just a few ( or a few more) years, they will certainly remember how the adults of their teenage generation thought the same thing. Having been a teenager in the early 70’s, I remember well the things that were said of us. We were rebels, hippies, drug users, and freaks. Our youth spokesmen made themselves heard to a world that was confused by and disappointed in us. And we really did not know who we were or what we stood for, outside of the social issues of the day. We seemed to be a lost cause, and our elders were convinced that nothing good could ever come from us….and now WE are the grown-ups, looking for meaning in the lives of the youth of today.
Why is youth such a troubling time? Is there no hope for teenagers and young adults? Can their scattered priorities ever amount to anything? Perhaps the answers lie in the values of the individual young person. If that person knows and follows Christ, then they can and should have a positive influence on this world. In fact, the Bible says that they are to set an example for others to follow. Imagine young people who live their lives in such a way that they are leading others in behavior and devotion. These verses tell us the areas that they should lead in.
speech
The Bible has a lot to say about our speech. It is to be pure, edifying, tamed by our self control, and honoring to God. This is without a doubt the hardest area for anyone to control–not just a young person. James 3 tells us that the tongue is a world of evil among the body ad it corrupts the whole person, setting the whole course of his life on fire (v.6). This little thing can do more harm than anything else, and every youth should pray that the Holy Spirit enables them to control their tongue. Likewise, the older people in the body of Christ should pray this for their young people (and for themselves).
life
At first glance, you may wonder just how a young person can lead someone in life, when they have lived so little of it. I think that the reason Paul urges young people to lead in life is because they are so unspoiled by it. They are young and enthusiastic and are willing to try any challenge that is laid before them. The longer you live and experience failure and disappointment, the less willing you are to stick your neck out and trust God in a new circumstance. Young people can certainly lead in this way, as they fearlessly step out for Christ and watch him come through for them. We can learn a lot about walking by faith when we watch them obey God.
love
How would a young person lead in love? 1 John 4:10 says “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” We are led in love when we are applying God’s gift of grace to our lives, and sharing it with others. Teenagers can have a tremendous affect on those around them as they walk with and talk about Christ. Their boldness can serve as an example to all of us in the church. When they share Christ with others, it is something that the world takes note of. Pray for them to rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through them to their friends, peers, and teachers.
faith
Matthew 18 says that unless we have the faith of a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven. So, even faith is not such a grown-up thing. The reason faith is compared to childlikeness is that it requires us to is trust in someone older, stronger, and wiser to take care of us. Young people definitely have the advantage over older ones there, for as you age, you become more dependent on your own abilities to take care of you. The youth can lead us here, as they live out dependence on Christ. We can watch and learn.
purity
The world is against purity, no matter how old you are. But youth are pure in their zeal, pure in their devotion, and can stay pure in their bodies. It is inspiring to watch our young people commit themselves to stay pure sexually until marriage. It is encouraging to watch our youth pledge themselves to remain pure in their academic endeavors. And it is wonderful to watch them give their whole lives to living a pure and Godly lifestyle. We have such youth in our body. If we watch them we can see God’s unmistakable hand on their lives. We can follow their example.
As adults in this body of believers, it is our responsibility to uphold our youth in prayer. It is our business to get to know them, understand their lives, and encourage their walks with God. They are our greatest hidden resource. They can be a Godly challenge to watch. And they are the next generation of spiritual leaders for our community. Have you prayed for our youth lately?
prayer
Heavenly Father, do not let us get so taken up with the busyness of life that we forget our responsibilities to pray for our young people. Give them the courage to live out their convictions. Give them strength to live their lives for you. Give them the power to be the examples that you want them to be for us and the world. In Christ’s name, Amen.